Who Is Gambling Online in Canada Today?

The Canadian gambling market faces a wide range of rules and regulations due to provincial laws. With a lucrative market waiting for global companies to invest in, who are the citizens gambling in Canada today?

The alluring chime of the slot machine, the crashing of chips and the whirr of a roulette wheel mean it is no wonder there are 19.3 million active gamblers in Canada today. Yet the country’s checkerboard approach to online regulation makes finding out who is actually gambling hard to determine. You may be one of many people gambling in their state legally, or you may have to access services in other states to do so. You could even be one of the many people going offshore. So who is gambling online today in Canada?

Highlights of the Article

• Online gambling in Canada is shaped by provincial regulations, creating a fragmented market with both regulated platforms and offshore options.
• Around 60% of Canadians gamble annually, with the industry valued at $9.57 billion, driven largely by the growth of online casinos.
• Men gamble slightly more than women, with 63% of men and 57% of women spending money on gambling each month.
• Age plays a key role, as younger adults (18–34) are less likely to gamble, while older demographics tend to spend more consistently.
• Income levels influence gambling habits, with higher-income households participating more frequently than lower-income groups.
• Ontario dominates casino revenue, generating over $7 billion since 2022, while Quebec shows the highest participation rates among residents.
• Gambling participation is lowest in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, though higher spenders there align with national averages.
• Evolving regulations in provinces like Alberta and Quebec could reshape Canada’s gambling landscape, aiming to reduce offshore play and increase taxable revenue.

So Who Is Gambling In Canada?

Around 60% of Canadians report spending money on gambling and related gaming every year. The sector has grown exponentially over the last few years, and is now worth $9.57 billion. This has been partly down to the online sector, which has attracted new customers though the use of clever incentives and improved customer service. These have included offers like free spins no deposit Canada casinos, providing you with ways to try out games without having to use your bankroll. 

When broken down into genders, of those spending money on these services men come out slightly on top. Around 63% of them spend money on gambling every month, with only 57% of women doing so.

When it comes to age-based variations, the younger generation is less likely to gamble. In the 18 to 34 age group, 45% report that they don’t spend anything on gambling. Only 36% of people in the 35 to 54 age group don’t spend any money on gambling.

The older generation also tends to spend more, though this variation evens out when we look at higher spenders. In the 18 to 54 age bracket, 3% of gamblers spend over $100 per month, with 4% of those older people spending $100 or more.

Income also plays a part in who gambles in Canada. Lower-income households, classed as those bringing in less than $25,000, gamble the least. Around 53% of the demographic spends no money on gambling in any of its forms. When households have an income of $25,000 to $55,000, this figure drops to 39%. Also, 17% of this group gambles between $20 and $100. When a household has an income above this threshold, the percentage drops slightly to 38%. 

Which Provinces Are Splashing Out on Casino Gaming?

Breaking down revenue by states, Ontario is the biggest money-making generator. This makes sense, as it has the largest regulated market. According to Statista, its revenues have amassed $7.064 billion since its launch in 2022, and at one point grew by 129% in three years. In the 2023/24 financial year alone, it managed to rake $2.2 billion in revenue.  

However, it is those in Quebec who are most likely to gamble, with 69% of the population engaged in some form of gambling. Those in this state also spend more on gambling activities and those spending up to $20 on gambling each month are at 48% in Quebec, with the national average being 43%. For those above that, the national average is 17% while in Quebec it is higher at 21%.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan have the lowest participation rates at 50%. In these states, the number of people spending less than $20 is lower than in other states. However, when it comes to those gambling over that amount, they are at the national average of 17%. 

Navigating Canadian Laws and Regulations

Online casino games, betting, and lotteries are managed by individual provinces. Some states regulate online gambling and attempt to direct consumers to their state-run or licensed third-party operators. These include Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Others have no regulation and freely let people use offshore casinos without penalty. All of this makes accurate facts and figures hard to come by, as gamblers in one province could quite easily be using services by others or going offshore.

By taking a look at two provinces, you can see just how varied the rules on gambling are. Arguably, the most liberal of states is Ontario. Since 2022, it has been providing licenses to over 70 casino and sportsbook operators, including some of the biggest names in global casino gaming. It is currently the only state to do so.

Contrast this with British Columbia, where the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) regulates the sector. It operates PlayNow, which is an online platform for casino and sports betting. This company also operates in Manitoba. Yet there are no laws preventing you from accessing offshore casinos, and many choose to use these for their wide selection of games, markets and ease of use.

Changing Regulations and State Laws

There is constant change in the Canadian provinces, which may see these figures change dramatically and quickly in the near future. An example is the double-digit growth predicted for Alberta, which is currently undergoing legislation to overhaul its gambling sector.

This is mainly due to the country’s grey area, which allows players to access unregulated, offshore casinos alongside the state-endorsed option. This is money spent away from the province, which could be potential taxable revenue. Thus, the state is looking to bring these under regulation and take a share of the profits.

Quebec is another province that may need to rethink its approach. Data presented at the recent Canadian Gaming Summit suggested the province could be losing CAD$2 billion in revenue. Around 27% of online gamblers in the province use unregulated, offshore providers. A coalition known as the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) has suggested that the government should collaborate to bring about a regulated, competitive environment that would benefit the province.

There is no doubt that gambling laws will change. Yet Canada stands in a great position to bring in a unified, yet unique, approach. By looking at case studies from its own markets and abroad, it should soon be able to protect players like yourself while raising revenue.